Chargers defensive superstar Shawne Merriman played as well as he could on Sunday against the Panthers. Unfortunately, that just wasn’t good enough. It was announced today that Merriman has decided to pursue surgical reconstruction of his left knee, ending his 2008 season.
Merriman had no sacks on Sunday and just one solo tackle, leading to much speculation that he was ineffective. Truth be told, the ball was seldom run anywhere near him, and he had Panthers QB Jake Delhomme just out of reach for most of the game. On the Panthers final drive Merriman was credited with three QB hurries- typically a sign that Delhomme was pushed into making bad throws, although we know how that ended for the Chargers.
Most importantly, Merriman maintained his role as unquestioned leader of the defense. It’s that leadership that a regressing defense needs to pull itself together, and that will be missed most of all.
It’s [...]
After A Valient Effort, Merriman Opts For Surgery
Leave a Comment